Qilin

Kirin · The Auspicious Beast

The benevolent unicorn-beast of the Four Auspicious Spirits, appearing only under sage rulers as an omen of peace.

The qilin, one of the "four spirits" with the dragon, phoenix and tortoise, embodies benevolence. With a deer's body, ox's tail and a single horn padded with flesh, it treads on no living insect and breaks no living grass. Confucius is said to have ceased composing the Spring and Autumn Annals upon the capture of a qilin.